Retrospective Analysis of Grip and Index Finger Strength, Job-Specific Scenario, and Shooting Performance in Incumbent Law Enforcement Personnel and Cadets

Lockie, RG, Young, MA, Lanham, SN, Orr, RM, Dawes, JJ, and Nagel, TR. Retrospective analysis of grip and index finger strength, job-specific scenario, and shooting performance in incumbent law enforcement personnel and cadets. J Strength Cond Res 39(4): e581-e588, 2025-This study investigated grip and index finger strength, and scenario performance, of incumbent deputy sheriffs/police officers. All personnel (incumbents; n = 15) and cadets ( n = 44) completed a job-specific scenario (step-ups, jumping jacks, sprawls, strikes, drags, carries, simulated fight) for time. Dominant grip strength (DGS) and nondominant grip strength (NDGS) and dominant index finger strength (DIFS) nondominant index finger strength (NDIFS) were measured pre- and postscenario. Incumbents and cadets then completed a 6-steel plate shooting test. Steel time (time to hit all plates) and number of shots required were recorded. Between-group differences in scenario time, steel time, and shots fired were analyzed by a univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) ( p < 0.05; covariates: sex, age). Relationships between grip and index finger strength with scenario variables were derived with partial correlations controlling for sex and age ( p < 0.05; incumbents and cadets analyzed separately). A repeated measures ANCOVA ( p < 0.05; covariates: sex, age) investigated between-group differences in grip and index finger strength, and whether there were changes postscenario. Cadets completed the scenario faster than the incumbents ( p = 0.045). The incumbent group had a nonsignificant 71% faster steel time and required 40% fewer shots, and experienced a decrease in DGS and NDGS ( p ≤ 0.013) postscenario. Pre- and post-DGS and NDGS, pre-DIFS, and post-NDIFS significantly related to scenario time for the cadets ( r = -0.311 to -0.503). Incumbents had fitness limitations that affected scenario time but demonstrated better shooting skills. Even with grip strength decreases postscenario, incumbents likely had sufficient strength to complete the shooting task. Cadets may be more reliant on general fitness when completing job-specific scenarios because they require further skill development.